Jeannot

On the cliffs of the French and Italian Alpes-Maritimes, the name of Jean Gounand resonates like a legend. Through an committed first ascent, a daring variation, an adjustable wooden corner or a simple piton stamped "JG" left to protect a bad move, Jean has left his mark on countless routes. Baou de Saint-Jeannet, Corno Stella, Cougourde, so many emblematic summits of which he knows all the routes. Jean has climbed his favorites more than fifty times. At the age of 83, the passion for the mountains that has inhabited him throughout his life is stronger than ever. It is always with boundless energy, the same desire and the same wonderment that he sets out to climb. Jean's long mountaineering journey is studded with magnificent achievements, even though he had to juggle the long weeks of a mechanical manufacturing factory worker. Contemporary and rope partner of mountaineering figures such as Patrick Berhault, he has been involved in the evolution of climbing for more than half a century. Rope partner of many women mountaineers, Jean contributed to the feminization of the activity by introducing his friends and helping them gain confidence to embark on ambitious climbs. Jean's achievements with his female partners have inspired several female climbers to make themselves a place in a predominantly male environment. At the invitation of his friend Stephane Benoist, Jean agreed to share his adventure stories and anecdotes in front of the camera. It was with his characteristic kindness and humility, his eyes sparkling with joy, that he opened us the door to his vertical world.